Nascar Negroni

(0 ratings)

A bold American twist on the classic Negroni that substitutes bourbon for gin, creating a high-octane cocktail with rich whiskey warmth balanced by bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

Keep screen on?

Recipe

1 cocktail (135ml)

Bourbon Whiskey
45 ml
Campari
30 ml
Sweet Vermouth
30 ml
Orange Peel
1 piece

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill your rocks glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water. Set aside while preparing the cocktail.

Step

In a mixing glass, combine 45ml bourbon whiskey, 30ml Campari, and 30ml sweet vermouth using a jigger for precise measurement.

Step

Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with ice and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.

Step

Empty your chilled rocks glass and add one large ice cube. Strain the cocktail over the ice using a Hawthorne strainer.

Step

Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the glass, then drop the peel into the cocktail as garnish.

Equipment

Mixing glass

Bar spoon

Jigger

Hawthorne Strainer

Citrus peeler

Description

The Nascar Negroni is a spirited American interpretation of the beloved Italian aperitivo, swapping gin for bourbon whiskey to create a drink that embodies the boldness of American racing culture. This cocktail modifies the classic 1:1:1 ratio philosophy into a 1.5:1:1 and delivering a distinctly different flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes complement the bitter complexity of Campari and the herbal sweetness of vermouth, creating a perfectly balanced sipper that’s ideal for aperitivo hour or evening contemplation.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (135ml)

Calories

180

ABV

22 %

Alcohol

24 g

Carbs

8 g

Carbs from Sugar

7 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0 g

Sodium

2 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Always use fresh sweet vermouth that has been refrigerated after opening - vermouth degrades quickly and can ruin the balance of your cocktail.
Stir, don't shake - stirring preserves the clarity and proper texture of this spirit-forward cocktail while providing the right amount of dilution.
For the best flavor, choose a bourbon with prominent vanilla and caramel notes that can stand up to the bitter Campari without being overpowered.
The orange peel garnish is essential - expressing the oils over the drink adds crucial aromatic complexity that complements all three base ingredients.

What's the difference between a Nascar Negroni and a Boulevardier?

They’re essentially the same cocktail – both substitute whiskey for gin in the classic Negroni recipe. The “Nascar Negroni” is a playful, American-themed name for this whiskey-based variation, while “Boulevardier” is the traditional name for the same drink.

Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?

Absolutely! Rye whiskey will create a spicier, more assertive cocktail that pairs beautifully with Campari’s bitterness. Use the same proportions and preparation method.

Why does the recipe call for more whiskey than the other ingredients?

Unlike gin, whiskey has a lower proof and different flavor profile, so the extra 15ml helps balance the strong bitter and sweet elements while ensuring the whiskey character shines through.

How important is the quality of Campari?

Very important – authentic Campari has a unique bitter orange flavor that’s essential to the cocktail’s character. Substitutes will significantly change the taste profile of your Nascar Negroni.